Beaches in Somerset

Cherished for its rolling hills and glorious coastline, it's no surprise that Somerset - the 'land of the summer people' - has been drawing holidaymakers to its sandy shores and wild moors for centuries.

Home to the famous Glastonbury Festival, Somerset is a first choice for entertainment in its various forms - especially when it comes to coastal camping holidays. Tucked away on the northern shores of England's beautiful South West, sandwiched between the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park and the Exmoor Heritage Coast, Somerset is a simply magical place to visit at any time of year.

It's a county of captivating contrasts, and beach camping holidays in Somerset are a unforgettable experience blended with rolling hills, picturesque market towns, glorious seasides and of course, a rich cider-making heritage.

Stay at the Camping and Caravanning Club's Minehead Campsite in Somerset and enjoy a spacious site with lovely sea and woodland views. Find out more about this site, and the best local beaches, below.

Beaches near Minehead Club Campsite, Somerset

You'll find a smattering of superb beaches within a short drive of Minehead Campsite. One of which, the lovely sandy bay of Minehead Beach itself, is around a half hour walk from the site. Here you'll find a traditional seaside resort with oodles of space for picnics, sandcastles and family seaside fun. It has a fantastic seafront promenade with plenty of facilities including cafes, restaurants, shops, deckchair hire and toilets, and lovely views across to North Hill.

Minehead (pictured) is also the starting point of the famous South West Coast Path, a superb long-distance walking trail that winds around the coastlines of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

Continue further along the coast and you'll reach Dunster North West beach, a vast area of sand and shingle that's brilliant for beach games (mind the mudflats!), while the medieval village of Dunster is well worth a visit too. It's a pretty coastal spot that grew up around the centuries-old Dunster Castle, which looms over the village from a rocky outcrop. Dunster village is also home to various attractions including a Yarn Market, cafes, shops and restaurants.

Venture further from Dunster towards the beach of Blue Anchor West, a 10-15 minute drive from Minehead Campsite, and you'll find a lovely sand and shingle beach that's great for fossil hunting. Or for a completely different seaside experience, head to Porlock Bay at Porlock Weir - a 20-minute drive in a westerly direction from Minehead Campsite. A pretty harbour and bay rooted in a wooded valley, the striking Porlock Weir inspired R D Blackmore's classic tale, Lorna Doone. It's also prized for its walking trails and proximity to Porlock Ridge and Saltmarsh, home to an abundance of birds and wildlife.

Beach Name

Dog friendly (all year)

Suitable Disabled Access

Toilets Nearby

Car Park

Drive from Club Site (minutes)

Full Listing

Minehead Beach

8

Dunster North West

13

Blue Anchor West

17

Porlock Bay Beach

21

About Minehead Club Campsite

Steeped in history, alive with heritage and immersed in soul-stirring landscapes, beach camping holidays in Somerset tick all the right boxes. Add famous walking trails, picture-postcard villages and the South West's famous cider heritage, and you've got everything you need for an unforgettable coastal escape.

Our Minehead Campsite is perfectly positioned on the fringes of Exmoor National Park and just a few minutes' drive from the beaches of Exmoor Heritage Coast. The ever-popular Minehead Beach is easy to reach, and guests can even enjoy views overlooking the Bristol Channel from the site itself. Quiet and restful in a pretty wooded spot, Minehead Campsite is the perfect gateway to the South West's beautiful beaches and wide-open countryside.

The site itself is well-equipped with hot showers, toilets, washing up and laundry facilities. It's a spacious site with 60 pitches, and has various local walks including a lovely wooded trail into Minehead centre.